Why You Should Hire a Glazier to Repair Double Glazing Seals
When window seals fail, they can lead to more expensive energy bills and foggy glass. Engaging a professional for repair of the damaged seals can prevent the problem from getting worse.
Window seals play a crucial part in the insulation benefits that double glazing offers. It's a good thing that they're simple to repair and can save you money in the long term.
Remove the Old Seal
Window seals can break due to a variety of reasons. They can be damaged by improper installation, or they could break in the course of time due to wear and tear. While it's impossible to completely stop the window seal from breaking, taking some steps can make sure that the issue is less likely to occur. Avoiding the power washing of your windows for instance, will lower the chance of damage due to high water pressure. You should also check that the window manufacturer doesn't recommend the use of reflective window films on their windows since they could damage the window seal.
The most common sign of a broken seal in double-glazed windows is the appearance of condensation between two panes. This happens when the inert gas that is used to insulate such as argon or krypton that was vacuum sealed between the two glass panes of the window has escaped. When this occurs, the window will be not able to keep cold air and moisture from entering the home.
Repairing a window seal that's defective is easy. You can purchase a replacement wedge gasket seal from any hardware store and it will be able to be installed inside your uPVC windows. If you are worried that you might not be able install the new seal properly, you can spray water on the outside of the window frame to help in lubricating the process.
It's important that you check the grooves of your window frame prior to installing the new seal. This can include melting uPVC pieces that are usually left over from previous repairs. You can chip away these areas using a chisel before starting to make sure that the new seal will fit properly in the window frame.
While it is possible to repair damaged uPVC window seal on your own however, it is recommended to leave the work to the professionals. A professional glazier will possess the skills and tools necessary to complete the task quickly and efficiently, while ensuring little risk of causing damage to your uPVC windows.
Clean the Surface
Double glazing windows can cut down on noise pollution when they are installed and maintained in a proper manner. However windows with seals that is damaged may let in air and moisture that could cause a number of problems, such as condensation. Moisture on the inside of the glass pane isn't only unsightly but it can cause mould to form and damage the frame making it necessary for professional repair. Other signs of a failed sealing include a draft that could be uncomfortable and costly to heat or glass distortion that can alter light transmission and impact on the view.
The good news is that double glazing windows are fairly simple to fix, particularly if the issue is caught early. Although it is possible to do the work yourself, a professional is typically recommended as they are knowledgeable and have access to top-quality materials that will last for a long time.
To begin, you'll need to remove any silicone sealant that is already in place. This can be accomplished with a sharp knife. After removing any old sealant the surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned. When the surface is clean, the next step is to seal the window.
Before re-sealing, take the bottom pane and flip it upside down so that the side of the glass originally on the inside of the sealed unit is facing upwards. Make sure to thoroughly clean the surface using a clean cloth and then dry it so that there are no water marks left.
Drilling holes into windows with double-glazed glass is not an ideal option. However, to save money and avoid the necessity of an emergency call out, you can use a small hole to insert an desiccate bag which will absorb any moisture between the two panes of glass. The hole can be cleaned using ruby alcohol (isopropyl) to stop the growth of mould.
Double-glazed windows are made to last, however they do sometimes break down. A lot of people require repairs to their double glazing. Most often, window seals fail when there is condensation between the glass panes or in the event of drafts.
Apply for a New Seal
Window seals are crucial to ensure a secure and energy-efficient glass-to-frame connection, regardless of whether you've recently moved into your new home or just installed double-glazed windows. In time the seals could fail due to age and external factors such as weather. It's important to replace damaged seals as quickly as possible. This will stop moisture from leaking between the glass panes which can lead to condensation, energy loss, and even damage to your home.
You should choose a day that is not soaked with rain to complete this task. You'll be working with the window open and you don't need much rainwater to get into your home. This could damage the new seals. Wear eye protection if you're using power tools to take off old window seals. It's easy to get dust or debris into your eyes.
After you've removed the old seal, it's important to clean the surface prior applying a new seal. Clean the area using a utility knife or putty and apply a new coat of silicone caulking. Make sure you apply a small amount of the product on the outside of the frame as this will help to create a waterproof and airtight seal around your glass.
It's also recommended to paint the exterior of your window frames since this will help to keep them safe from the elements. Particularly during hot weather, it's not uncommon for seals to get cracks or damp spots, so this is a good idea to maintain the integrity of your window.
You can reseal the windows yourself, but if the problem is severe it's best to contact a professional company that specializes in window sealing. You can be sure that the new seals are installed correctly, ensuring your windows are energy efficient and safe.
Allow the seal to set
Double-glazed windows are a great option for homeowners since it protects against the elements, holds heat generated by your heating system in and blocks sunlight from entering. But, it is able to do this if the window has been sealed properly. A failed seal can cause condensation and mist to form between glass panes. It can cause energy loss, draughts and even security issues. To avoid damaging your window and home, it's important to fix a broken seal right away.
One of the simplest ways to test if your window seal is failing is to feel for draughts or cold air coming into the frame's corners. If you can feel it, the window gasket has sunk and is no longer creating the seal. Another method of determining this is to look for misting and condensation between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Both of these problems are caused by a leak in the double-glazed window seal. This allows moisture to get into that section, causing damage to its insulation properties.
There are DIY kits for resealing the double glazing seals available in case you are a DIY-er. double glazing window repairs involve drilling a small hole through the window, cleaning the inside using an instrument that is magnetic, then inserting drying pellets that will eventually disappear, and then filling the hole with clear cement. However, while these kits do have a good track record of providing quick results, they do tend to need doing more often than professionally-installed windows and they don't always provide a lasting solution.
If you've tried to repair your window seals yourself or hired a professional company to do the work, it is imperative that you allow the new seal to dry prior to use. It can take some days or a few weeks to cure the sealant therefore you should wait until then to open the window. A window that has been sealed will need to be treated with care and attention, so it's worth laying an old duvet or towel down on your work surface to protect it from scratches and stains.